Unions oppose the cartel because they fear it will drive down pay and conditions for NHS staff, as well as putting patients at risk.

The news was welcomed by UNISON regional secretary Joanne Kaye, who said: “This is great news for our members and shows the success of UNISON’s ongoing campaign against regional and postcode pay.

“These are exceptionally difficult times, but with the threat of regional pay no longer hanging over members’ heads, UNISON looks forward to working with the trust to face up to the challenges they are facing as a result of the Coalition government’s austerity policies.

“We applaud this move by Dorset County Hospital Foundation Trust, which follows hard on the heels of a similar announcement by Northern Devon Healthcare NHS Trust, and call on the other seventeen trusts still in the pay consortium to follow their lead.”

UNISON regional organiser Helen Eccles said: “Locally, members are delighted that the shadow of local pay has been lifted so they can get on with doing their jobs looking after patients.

“This just shows the importance of the hard-won national negotiations to ensure the future Agenda for Change.”

UNISON area organiser Jon Dunn said: “UNISON members told us the trust’s membership of the pay consortium meant staff felt betrayed and devalued. UNISON has campaigned hard on this issue. Today’s decision has boosted staff morale with our members feeling the trust has recognised their exceptional commitment to patients, and clearly shows that the trust recognises the value of national pay and conditions for NHS staff.”